Device for the handling of trunks, suitcases, and the like



May 3%, 1950 2,509,575

H. E. MINGO DEVICE FOR THE HANDLING OF TRUNKS,

SUITCASES, AND THE LIKE Filed Sept. '7. 1948 Patented May 30, 1950 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE DEVICE FOR THE HANDLING OF TRUNKS, SUITCASES, AND THE LIKE Application September 7, 1948, Serial No. 48,134 In Great Britain September 11, 1947 1 Claim. (01. 280-38) This invention relates to means for handling trunks, suitcases and the like and has for its object to provide a device for attachment to a trunk, suitcase or the like so as to provide wheels for the latter to enable same to be readily handled.

A further object is to provide a device which can readily be attached or detached from a trunk suitcase or the like and a still further object is to provide such a device which when not required may be folded up into a compact form.

In the accompanying drawings,

Figures 1 and 2 are rear elevation and side views of a foldable device according to the present invention.

Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2' showing the device in the folded condition.

Figure 4 is a view on a reduced scale showing the manner in which the device is used.

Referring to Figures 1 to 4 the device consists of pair of plates l, 2, pivotally connected together by means of rivets 3 which rivets 3 pass through lugs 4 of the plate 2 and the outer member of hangers 5 for the Wheels 6. The wheels 6 are welded or otherwise secured to the underside of a flange I of the plate I which flange 1 extends under the plate 2 to act as a stop to prevent the plates I, 2 from being opened out to an angle greater than a right angle.

Guide members 8 are welded or otherwise secured to the backs of plates I and 2 to receive a strap 9.

As shown in Figure 4 the strap 9 passes round the sides of a trunk, suitcase or the like In to retain the plates I, 2 of the device firmly in contact with one corner of the case [0. The strap is tightened about the case I0 by means of a ring or clasp II, the remainder of the strap forming a handle l2 by which the case l0 may be drawn along on the wheels 6.

Thus by means of a device according to the present invention the necessity for carrying or lifting a heavy case during the handling of same especially when travelling is largely eliminated.

When not required for use the device may be folded up by folding the plates I, 2 about the rivets 3 whereupon the strap 9 may be wound round the folded plates so that the device is in a compact form for storage.

As shown the plates I, 2 are of sheet metal but they may be formed from wood, synthetic resin, or cast; furthermore they may be lined on their inside faces with rubber or the like padding to prevent damage to a case to which the device is applied. Alternatively frames of tubular or other suitable members may be employed in lieu of said plates.

If desired the plates I, 2 need not be pivotally connected and may be bolted or screwed to the suitcase dispensing with the necessity of the strap 9 in which case the handle 12 is secured to a diagonally opposite corner of the suitcase.

I claim:

A device of the character described for the handling of trunks, suitcases and the like comprising in combination a plate having a flange portion along one edge; a pair of wheel hangers extending from the underside of said flanged portion; a pair of wheels carried one each by said hangers; a further plate having depending side lugs pivotally connected to the outer sides of said wheel hangers to permit said plates to be folded against one another or extended at right angles to one another to engage a corner of a trunk, suitcase or the like, said flanged portion engaging under said further plate to limit the plates against movement beyond a right angle in the extended condition; guide members on said plates; strapping passing through said guide members and adapted to pass around a trunk, suitcase or the like; and a handle to said strapping to enable the trunk, suitcase or the like to be drawn along on said wheels.

HERBERT ERNEST MINGO.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,375,338 Alexander May 8, 1945 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 552,374 Great Britain Apr. 5, 1943 

